NEW YORK — The aisles at the New York Produce Show Dec. 1 were packed with pedestrian traffic jams in some spots, but not at pre-pandemic cramped levels mirroring the city sidewalks during rush hour.
Still, almost all the exhibitor booths were populated by the companies that reserved them, and many produce professionals expressed satisfaction. Eastern Produce Council is a co-organizer of the conference.
“It’s been a surprisingly busy show, and very worthwhile,” said Pierre Dolbec, vice president of sales and supply at VegPro International, Sherrington, Quebec.
The industry themes of 2022 continued to be the topic of discussion at the show, from consumers’ demand for convenience, value and snacking to transparency, sustainability, social responsibility and functional health.
“We’ve heard as much about locally sourced as ever. People are asking, ‘what can we do regionally, locally?’” said Brian Reeves, president of the New York State Vegetable Growers Association.
People talked about the lemonade apple, the kombucha drink that doesn’t taste like kombucha by Koe, the cardboard tomato packaging at NatureFresh and the innovative snacking opportunities created by Joolies.
They also discussed the importance of fresh-cut produce in produce department sales and efficiencies and automation to reduce the need for labor.
As usual, company leaders crossed the continent for the show.
Bakersfield, Calif.-based Atlas Produce promoted its Sunnies Energy Bites, which are date balls with nut butter and cherry, banana or chocolate-espresso flavors.
“It’s all about healthy alternative snacking,” said Luke Fountain of Atlas Produce.
Tracy Simmonds, business manager of Affinity Sales, Depew, N.Y., stood at the Tasteful Selections by RPE booth and said the show’s timing was more convenient. It’s about two weeks sooner than it was in 2021.
“It’s been really busy here,” Simmonds said. “And it’s easier on our schedules that it’s earlier in December and right after Thanksgiving. I think that made a difference.”
